Fiji: Officials issue health warning regarding ashfall, Jan. 16 /update 1

Event

Fiji's National Disaster Management Office issued a public advisory early Jan. 16 advising persons in the country to take precautions against airborne ash. Persons operating in the country, particularly those in the maritime islands of the Eastern Division, should take precautions to protect water supplies and cover their eyes, faces, and exposed skin.

Officials issued a tsunami warning Jan. 15 in response to a volcanic eruption at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'pai in Tonga. This was canceled early Jan. 16. Tsunami waves were reported in several areas. Villages in Lau, Kadavu, Vanua Levu, and parts of the Rewa Delta on Viti Levu were flooded. Flooding also occurred on Moce, Moala, Kadavu, and Taveuni.

While the tsunami threat has passed, further eruptions could trigger additional warnings. Ashfall remains a concern and, in addition to health concerns, could further disrupt air transport in the coming hours and days. Fiji Airways (FJ) and Fiji Link (FJA) have canceled, postponed, or amended flight times for several flights since Jan. 15.

Advice

Heed the instructions of local officials. Monitor emergency broadcast channels. Limit exposure to ash. Reconfirm all flights before departure. Plan for transportation disruptions in the coming days.

Resources

Fijian Government (Twitter)
Fiji Airways